Young drivers risk cracking their windscreens this winter as a third of them – some 300,000 drivers - attempt to clear them of ice by using hot water, according to a survey from car care specialists, Comma.

As the temperatures plummet and millions of motorists attempt to give themselves a good field of vision before driving to work, 30 percent of motorists between the age of 19 and 21 admit to using hot water to clear their windscreens – a practice which could result with the glass cracking due to the sudden change in temperature.

Younger drivers appeared to be the most unprepared of all those surveyed, more likely to use items such as credit cards, fingernails, books and even CD cases to clear their windscreen.

By contrast, drivers in their 50s are more likely to use the traditional ice scraper and a bit of elbow grease with 71 percent of them doing so, compared to 40 percent of young drivers.

Middle-aged drivers are also least likely to damage their windscreens, with only 9% using hot water.

"Young drivers have been accused of putting their cars at risk on the road, but they're also doing it before they even start the engine," says Comma's Mike Bewsey.

"In cold weather, everyone needs to take a bit of time to clear the window.

A scraper should be an essential item in the car, along with a bit of de-icer for when the ice is really stubborn."